Karnataka has intensified its efforts to secure faster technical clearance for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project, with the state government highlighting the growing drinking water needs of Bengaluru and neighbouring regions.
Karnataka Water Resources Minister N Chaluvarayswamy held a high-level meeting with Central Water Commission Chairman Anupam Prasad in New Delhi to discuss the statutory and technical approvals required for the project. The discussions also focused on Karnataka's compliance report, which was submitted in response to issues previously raised by the Central Water Commission regarding the project's detailed report.
The Karnataka government urged the Central Water Commission to complete its examination of the Mekedatu project at the earliest and provide the necessary technical support for the proposal to move forward. The state also assured the Commission that its Water Resources Department would promptly provide any additional information or clarification required during the approval process.
The meeting followed a recent inspection of the proposed Mekedatu project site by a Central Water Commission member. Karnataka officials shared details about the conditions at the project location and discussed technical matters arising from the site inspection.
The state government has argued that the Mekedatu project is becoming increasingly important due to Bengaluru's rapidly growing demand for drinking water. Rising population, changing rainfall patterns and recurring periods of water stress have increased concerns about the city's long-term water security.
The proposed balancing reservoir on the Cauvery is intended to support drinking water requirements in Bengaluru and nearby districts. The project is also expected to contribute to hydropower generation and improve the storage, management and regulated release of water downstream.
Karnataka has maintained that improved storage capacity could be particularly useful during years of deficient rainfall. According to the state government's position, the reservoir would help strengthen water management while ensuring regulated downstream releases in accordance with applicable requirements.
The Karnataka government reiterated its commitment to moving the project forward and sought an early conclusion of the ongoing technical examination by the Central Water Commission.
The Mekedatu project is a proposed multi-purpose development near Kanakapura in Bengaluru South district and has remained a major point of disagreement between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
While Karnataka maintains that the project is necessary to address Bengaluru's future drinking water requirements and could also benefit downstream areas, Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the proposal over concerns about its potential impact on the state's share of Cauvery water.
The latest meeting marks another step in Karnataka's push to obtain the required technical clearances and advance the long-pending Mekedatu project amid increasing pressure to strengthen Bengaluru's water infrastructure.
Conversation
Be kind and stay on topic. Comments are moderated; abuse, spam and personal attacks are removed. Report a problem